Legalisation and Decriminalisation of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

Debates about decriminalising and legalising certain narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances have gained much momentum in recent years as a growing number of jurisdictions are exploring the introduction of measures to permit, albeit in very controlled ways, the use of some narcotic drugs. Many argue that the so-called ‚war on drugs‘ has failed to produce any meaningful successes and that new ways to prevent substance abuse need to be explored. Nevertheless, most jurisdictions continue to impose near complete bans on the production, manufacturing, trade, transport, supply, sale, and possession of illicit drugs. This volume presents a collection of academic papers that examine recent developments in relation to international and national laws and selected substances.